ENO announces its 2024/25 London Coliseum Season

Annilese Miskimmon, Artistic Director of ENO, says: ‘We are delighted to make this announcement today, reaffirming our commitment to great opera for our London audiences at the London Coliseum, with more news about our plans in Greater Manchester coming later this year.

This London season encompasses not only classics of the operatic repertoire but also unjustly neglected masterpieces and new productions that tell stories of romance, madness, tragedy and the supernatural.

At ENO, opera is for everyone and I hope both new and current audiences will join us for this compelling and entertaining season.’

Suor Angelica

Marking 100 years since Giacomo Puccini’s death, a new semi-staged concert performance of the rarely performed Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica) is presented at the London Coliseum. The ENO last performed this opera in 1998.

Suor Angelica is the second part in Puccini’s Il trittico (The Triptych; Il tabarro, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi), three one-act operas. It is a tragic story about Angelica, the daughter of an aristocratic family, who had a child out of wedlock and now lives in a convent. Years later, Angelica’s tale comes to a heartbreaking end when she is reunited with her aunt, The Princess.

This semi-staged concert will be directed by Annilese Miskimmon, ENO’s Artistic Director, following her gripping productions of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Dead City (Die tote Stadt). Conducting the award-winning ENO Orchestra is Corinna Niemeyer, who is making her ENO debut.

This all-female cast sees the return of soprano Sinead Campbell-Wallace as Sister Angelica, who was nominated for an Olivier Award for her powerful performance in the title role in ENO’s Tosca (2022), renowned mezzo-soprano Christine Rice as The Princess, and former Harewood Artist and mezzo-soprano Madeleine Shaw as The Abbess.

Making their ENO debuts are mezzo-sopranos Lea Shaw in the role of The Monitress and Gaynor Keeble as The Mistress of the Novices. They will be joined by former Harewood Artist and soprano Alexandra Oomens as Sister Genovieffa.

The Turn of the Screw

Benjamin Britten’s chilling chamber opera, based on Henry James’ 1898 novella of the same name, The Turn of the Screw opens at the London Coliseum this October. This spine-tingling operatic masterpiece will be designed and directed by Isabella Bywater, following her staging of Symphony of Sorrowful Songs in 2023.

Britten’s The Turn of the Screw tells the story of a newly appointed governess in the imposing Bly House, who is desperate to protect the two orphaned children in her care from the evil that lurks within the grounds. In the remote country estate, strange encounters, apparitions and phantoms create an unsettling atmosphere.

Leading the ENO Orchestra in this intense and rich score is conductor Duncan Ward, who makes his house debut. For two performances, conductor Charlotte Corderoy will also make her ENO debut.

Leading the cast as the fearful Governess is soprano Ailish Tynan. Returning to the ENO is soprano Gweneth Ann Rand in the role of Mrs Grose, and former Harewood Artist and soprano Eleanor Dennis as Miss Jessel.

They will be joined by tenor Robert Murray as Peter Quint, a role he has performed at Garsington Opera, and tenor Alan Oke will perform the Prologue.

The Elixir of Love

Gaetano Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d’amore) returns to the London Coliseum for a new production. This romantic comedy is one of Donizetti’s most frequently performed operas and is a favourite with opera houses worldwide. Leading this production is director Harry Fehr and conductor Teresa Riveiro Böhm, who are both making their ENO debuts.

Fehr’s production is set in England during World War II, and the story follows Adina, a popular landowner, who is courted by both Belcore and Nemorino. In an attempt to win her affections after being rejected, Nemorino buys a love potion from the pseudo doctor, Dulcamara, unaware he has only bought a bottle of wine. In this tale of misguided confidence and romance, will Adina and Nemorino find true love for one another?

Making a welcome return to the London Coliseum stage is Harewood Artist and tenor Innocent Masuku as Nemorino. He will be joined by soprano and former Harewood Artist Rhian Lois as Adina, and baritone Nmon Ford as Belcore.

Completing the cast is bass-baritone Brandon Cedel making his ENO debut as Dulcamara, and soprano Segomotso Shupinyaneng as Giannetta.

Mary, Queen of Scots

Closing the 2024/25 London Coliseum Season is the semi-staged concert performance of Thea Musgrave’s Mary, Queen of Scots. This rarely performed twentieth century operatic masterpiece by one of Scotland’s leading composers makes its ENO premiere this season. Originally premiered in 1977, the libretto is based on Amalia Elguera’s play Moray.

Mary, Catholic Queen of Scotland and widowed Queen of France, has been invited by the Protestant Lords to return and assume the Scottish crown. The story follows Queen Mary’s tumultuous relationships with her half-brother James Stewart, Earl of Moray, her husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, and her seducer James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell.

Conducting this masterpiece that is filled with power, treachery and passion is Joana Carneiro. She returns to the ENO after conducting The Handmaid’s Tale in 2022 and 2024.

Bringing Musgrave’s melodies to life on stage and making her ENO debut is soprano Heidi Stober as Queen Mary. She will be joined by former Harewood Artist and baritone Alex Otterburn as James Stewart, Earl of Moray, and tenor Rupert Charlesworth as Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. Tenor and former Harewood Artist Nicky Spence returns to the ENO as James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, and former Harewood Artist and bass Barnaby Rea as Riccio. Also making a welcome return to the ENO is bass Alastair Miles as Lord Gordon.

Babyopera: Orpheus’ Comfort and Amor’s Ease

Transferring from Norway, Babyopera presents their two productions Orpheus’ Comfort and Amor’s Ease at the London Coliseum this November. Performed off-stage in a Front of House area on the Balcony level, Babyopera aims to create operatic performances for young children and their guardians in a multi-sensory and engaging way to introduce them to the artform.

Co-produced by Babyopera and The Norwegian Opera & Ballet, Orpheus’ Comfort and Amor’s Ease is presented by creator, director and scenographer Christina Lindgren.

Set in the Baroque period, Orpheus’ Comfort follows the story of Orpheus and his lost beloved Eurydice. It tells the tale of how song and music can bring back a loved one.

In Amor’s Ease, the audience will be transported to the Baroque period where this comic opera will show how caring for someone can make a powerful difference.

Perfect for families, this operatic experience is created for babies and suitable for children up to 6 years old, with the stories told through music and sounds. It is presented with playfulness, humour and tranquillity.

More information on the performance schedule and on sale dates will be announced soon.

La bohème

Opening the 2024/25 Season at the London Coliseum and presented consecutively alongside Suor Angelica to commemorate 100 years since Puccini’s death, is Jonathan Miller’s much-loved production of La bohème. This iconic production has travelled to stages around the world since its premiere in 2009.

Set in inter-war Paris, La bohème tells of impoverished Parisian poet Rodolfo’s doomed love for seamstress Mimì. Miller’s staging of Puccini’s best-loved opera is designed by his long-time collaborator Isabella Bywater.

Conductor Clelia Cafiero makes her ENO and UK opera debut. Returning as Revival Director is Crispin Lord, who previously led this production in 2022.

Returning to the role of Mimì following her performance in the 2021/22 Season is award-winning soprano and former Harewood Artist Nadine Benjamin. Performing the role of Rodolfo is tenor Joshua Blue who is making his ENO debut. Baritone Charles Rice returns to reprise the role of Marcello following his performance in the 2021/22 Season. Performing alongside him in the role of Musetta is soprano Vuvu Mpofu who is also making her ENO debut.

Joining them on stage is Harewood Artist and baritone Patrick Alexander Keefe in the role of Schaunard, and making his ENO debut in the role of Colline is bass-baritone Dingle Yandell.

Rigoletto

Returning in the autumn is Jonathan Miller’s reimagined Rigoletto. Originally premiered at the ENO in 1982 and last seen in 2017, Miller’s celebrated retelling of Giuseppe Verdi’s timeless story of jealousy, love and betrayal is played out against the backdrop of New York’s Little Italy in the 1950’s.

The tragic story revolves around the licentious Duke of Mantua, his court jester Rigoletto, and Rigoletto’s beautiful daughter Gilda. The opera’s original title, La maledizione (The Curse), refers to the curse placed on both the Duke and Rigoletto by a courtier whose daughter had been seduced by the Duke with Rigoletto’s encouragement. The curse comes to fruition when Gilda likewise falls in love with the Duke with catastrophic consequences.

Making a welcome return to the podium is the renowned conductor Richard Farnes. Farnes reunites with the ENO Orchestra following his powerful conducting of La traviata during the 2023/24 Season. Returning as Revival Director is Elaine Tyler-Hall, who previously led this production in 2017.

Making his ENO debut in the title role is baritone Weston Hurt. He will be joined by tenor Yongzhao Yu making his house debut as the Duke of Mantua, a role he reprises following his recent debut at Seattle Opera. Making her ENO debut is soprano Robyn Allegra Parton in the role of Gilda.

Returning to the ENO is former Harewood Artist and bass William Thomas in the role of Sparafucile, and current Harewood Artist and mezzo-soprano Amy Holyland in the role of Maddalena. Making their ENO debuts, the cast will be joined by mezzo-soprano and newly appointed Harewood Artist Anna Elizabeth Cooper as Kate, and baritone Henry Neill as Samuel.

The Pirates of Penzance

Mike Leigh’s rollicking production of The Pirates of Penzance will return for its second revival in December. With its comic hi-jinks, the acclaimed film and theatre director’s 2015 operatic debut proved a great hit with audiences. Internationally renowned conductor Natalie Murray Beale makes her ENO debut.

One of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic operas, this production features swashbuckling pirates, flat-footed policemen, razor-sharp satire and memorable melodies. The Pirates of Penzance tells the story of the pirate apprentice Frederic and his love for Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley.

The Vice-President of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, baritone Richard Suart, reprises the role of Major-General Stanley. He last performed the role with ENO in 2004. He will be joined by another Gilbert and Sullivan aficionado, bass-baritone John Savournin who will perform the role of The Pirate King, following his notable performances in 2023’s Iolanthe and 2021’s HMS Pinafore.

Former Harewood Artist and tenor William Morgan makes his role debut performing Frederic. Also returning to the London Coliseum stage is bass James Creswell in the role of Sergeant of the Police, Harewood Artist and soprano Isabelle Peters performs the role of Mabel, and mezzo-soprano Bethan Langford performs the role of Edith. Mezzo-soprano Gaynor Keeble returns for her second engagement of the season in the role of Ruth.

The Marriage of Figaro

In December, Joe Hill-Gibbins’ engrossing production of The Marriage of Figaro returns for its first revival following its critically acclaimed premiere in 2020. This intimate production puts the magnifying glass over Mozart’s characters, sharing their thoughts, emotional journey and flaws with the audience.

The Marriage of Figaro is a comedic story set in a single crazy day – the wedding day of Figaro and Susanna. In a whirlwind of mistaken identities, deception and general mayhem, the couple try to elude their employer – a philandering and promiscuous Count – teaching him a lesson in fidelity he’ll never forget.

Following the success of his recent semi-staged concert performance of Duke Bluebeard’s Castle, Joe Hill-Gibbins returns to direct this staging. The award-winning conductor Ainārs Rubiķis makes his ENO debut.

Returning to the ENO is the award-winning soprano and former Harewood Artist Mary Bevan in the role of Susanna. She will be joined by former Harewood Artists bass-baritone David Ireland in the role of Figaro and soprano Nardus Williams as Countess Almaviva. Baritone Cody Quattlebaum makes his ENO debut as her husband, Count Almaviva.

They will be joined by bass-baritone Neal Davies as Dr Bartolo, the Grammy Award winning soprano Rebecca Evans as Marcellina, and reprising the role of Cherubino is mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp. Soprano and newly appointed Harewood Artist Ava Dodd returns as Barbarina.